Holster-integrated piezoelectric energy source for handheld electronic device

ABSTRACT

A holster for a handheld electronic device. The holster has integrated therein one or more piezoelectric elements that provide an output voltage to the handheld electronic device upon insertion of device in the holster. The output voltage can be used to charge the battery of the device, to power, at least in part, the device, or both. The output voltage is generated by harvesting vibration energy at the piezoelectric elements upon the holster being subjected to acceleration caused by a user carrying the holster when walking, running, or during any other suitable activity.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/606,542, filed Oct. 27, 2009, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to energy sources for handheldelectronic device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates toholster-integrated energy sources for handheld electronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Handheld electronic devices (HEDs) are typically equipped with a batterythat requires recharging at regular intervals in order for the HED toremain functional. Although advances in battery technology have providedlonger time periods between recharging the batteries, recharging isstill required and can be inconvenient.

Some HEDs can include built-in piezoelectric energy sources; however theintegration of piezoelectric members and circuitry into an HED canincrease the dimensions of the HED, which goes against the trend ofminiaturization of such devices.

Other approaches to using piezoelectric energy sources with HEDs includehaving a piezoelectric charge module that can be removably secured to anHED while the HED is not in use. This makes for a bulkyHED/piezoelectric arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the holster ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the holster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of the holster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a front cross-sectional view of the holster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A shows a block diagram depiction of an exemplary chargingcircuit;

FIG. 5B shows another exemplary charging circuit;

FIG. 5C shows yet another exemplary charging circuit;

FIG. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a front cross-sectional view of the holster of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary arrangement of interleaved piezoelectricelements; and

FIG. 9 shows block diagram representation of a handheld electronicdevice that can be used with the holster of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure is generally directed to holster for a handheldelectronic device, into which the HED can be inserted and withdrawn by auser. The holster is typically configured to retain the HED when theuser inserts the HED into the holster, and is further configured to makethe HED readily accessible for withdrawal by the user. For purposes ofillustration, the HED is equipped with a rechargeable battery. Theholster includes one or more piezoelectric elements that generate aninput voltage, and further includes charging circuitry. The chargingcircuitry includes an electrical connector that is configured toelectrically couple to the HED when the HED is inserted into theholster. As will be described below, the holster is configured to chargethe rechargeable battery of the HED when the HED is inserted in theholster.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated amongthe figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, itwill be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theembodiments described herein may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures andcomponents have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to beconsidered as limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Generally, the present disclosure provides a holster for a HED, theholster has integrated therein one or more piezoelectric elements andcharging circuitry that can provide useful output voltage and current tothe HED upon the HED being inserted in the holster to electricallyconnect the HED to the charging circuitry. The electrical connection istypically by way of a mating connector that electrically couples the HEDto the charging circuitry. The concepts described herein are not limitedto any particular kind of electrical connection or connector, and caninclude, for example, tab-terminal-to-tab-terminal connections,plug-to-socket connections and spring-loaded-prong-to-blade connections.The output voltage and current can be used to charge the battery, topower the HED, at least in part, or both. (The concepts of power,energy, voltage and current are related to one another. In thediscussion below, the concepts will typically be discussed in terms ofvoltages and currents.) The output voltage is generated by harvestingvibration energy at the piezoelectric elements upon the holster beingsubjected to acceleration caused by a user carrying the holster whenwalking, running, or during any other suitable activity. Theacceleration causes the piezoelectric elements to deform, whichgenerates the voltage in question. As will be understood by the skilledworker, the present disclosure is also applicable to portable dockingstations for HEDs.

The HED can also be referred to as portable electronic device or amobile electronic device and, it may be a two-way communication devicewith advanced data communication capabilities including the capabilityto communicate with other portable electronic devices or computersystems through a network of transceiver stations. The HED may also havethe capability to allow voice communication. Depending on thefunctionality provided by the portable electronic device, it may bereferred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellulartelephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internetappliance, a personal area network device (e.g., Bluetooth™ devices) ora data communication device (with or without telephony capabilities).The portable electronic device may also be a portable device withoutwireless communication capabilities as a handheld electronic gamedevice, digital photograph album, digital camera and the like.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a holster for ahandheld electronic device. The holster comprises: a piezoelectricelement to generate an input voltage upon being deformed. Thepiezoelectric element has a first portion fixedly secured to a portionof the holster. The holster also comprises charging circuitryelectrically connected to the piezoelectric element. The chargingcircuitry has an electrical connector. The charging circuitry providesan output voltage to the electrical connector in accordance with theinput voltage and in accordance with pre-determined charging circuitparameters. The electrical connector is to connect to the handheldelectronic device upon the handheld electronic device being insertedinto the holster.

The piezoelectric element can have a second portion movable with respectto the first portion. The holster can include a chamber for housing thepiezoelectric element and the portion of the holster to which the firstportion of the piezoelectric element is fixedly secured can include thechamber. The piezoelectric element can be an elongated member. Theholster can define a cavity having a cavity length along which thehandheld electronic device can be slid in and out of the holster. Theelongated member can be substantially parallel to the cavity length. Theelongated member can be substantially perpendicular to the cavitylength. The holster can define a housing for receiving the handheldelectronic device, the holster can further comprise a fastening elementsecured to the housing, the fastening element being rotatable withrespect to the housing to change an orientation of the housing withrespect to the fastening element. The fastening element can include aclip.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a holster incombination with a handheld electronic device.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a holster for ahandheld electronic device. The holster comprises: at least onepiezoelectric element to generate an input voltage upon being deformed;charging circuitry electrically connected to the at least onepiezoelectric element; and a coil electrically connected to the chargingcircuitry. The charging circuitry is to provide an output voltage to thecoil in accordance with the input voltage and in accordance withpre-determined charging circuit parameters. The coil is to inductivelycouple the charging circuitry to the handheld electronic device upon thehandheld electronic device being inserted into the holster. The chargingcircuitry and the coil can define an assembly that has an assemblyresonant frequency; and the at least one piezoelectric element can havea piezoelectric element resonant frequency. The assembly resonantfrequency can be substantially equal to the piezoelectric elementresonant frequency. The charging circuitry can include at least onecapacitor.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a holster 21 ofthe present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a side view of the holster 21. Theholster 21 can be used for any suitable handheld electronic device (HED)that runs on electricity, which is typically provided by a battery or byany other suitable electrical charge storage device such as, forexample, a capacitor. A flexible holster cover 22 is also shown at FIGS.1 and 2, and serves to hold and secure the HED in the holster 21. Theholster 21 can have and exterior portion made of any suitable material(having any desirable aesthetic, electrical, durability, strength, orother characteristics or combinations of characteristics) such as, e.g.,leather, nylon, etc. The holster cover 22 can be held closed through anysuitable means such as, for example, a magnetic closure, a hook and loopcloser, a snap-fit closure, etc. As will be understood by the skilledworker, holsters not having a cover are also within the scope of thepresent invention. A clip 80, shown at FIG. 2, allows a user to securethe holster 21 to a belt, purse, pocket etc. As will be further beunderstood by the skilled worker, any other suitable fastening elementsuch as, e.g., a loop for connecting to a belt can be used.Additionally, the holster of the present disclosure can also functionwithout any fastening element. When present, the fastening element, inthe present example, the clip 80, can be rotatable with respect to thehousing 82 of the holster, and to the user to which it is fastened, topermit a change in the orientation of housing with respect to the user.This variable orientation of the housing can allow the user to set theorientation in order to adjust the amount of vibration energy beingharvested.

FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of the holster 21 taken alongIII-III of FIG. 1. As shown at FIG. 3, the holster 21 defines a cavity33 along the length of which, the length direction being indicated byarrow 35, a HED can be slid in and out of the holster. FIG. 3 also showsa chamber 24 that houses one or more piezoelectric element 26, each ofwhich is fixedly secured at a first portion 27 to the chamber 24 by aholder 28, which can be any suitable type of clamp or holding device.Alternatively, any other suitable means to secure the first portion 27to the chamber 24 can be used such as, e.g., adhesives, press-fits, snapfits, fasteners, etc. Each piezoelectric element 26 has a second portion29, which movable with respect to the first portion 27 and to thechamber 24, upon the holster being accelerated in any suitabledirection. As shown at FIG. 3, and at FIG. 4 described below, thepiezoelectric element 26 is substantially parallel to the length of thecavity 33.

FIG. 4 shows a front cross-sectional view of the holster 21 taken alongline IV-IV of FIG. 3. As shown at FIG. 4, four piezoelectric elements 26are contained in the chamber 24. However, any suitable number ofpiezoelectric elements 26 can be used, including one piezoelectricelement 26, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.If more than one piezoelectric elements 26 are present, they can beelectrically connected to each other in parallel or in series, or in anysuitable parallel/series configuration. The exemplary piezoelectricelements 26 are rectangular-shaped plates; however, this need not thecase. Any suitably-shape piezoelectric elements can be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, amongstothers, disc-shaped, tube-shaped, and ring-shaped piezoelectric elementscan also be used. The piezoelectric elements 26 can have any suitabledimensions. For example, the thickness can range from less than a tenthof a millimeter to several millimeters; and, the length and width canrange from one to several millimeters. As will be understood by theskilled worker, the dimensions of the piezoelectric elements can bedetermined in accordance with, amongst other factors: (a) the choice ofthe piezoelectric material of the piezoelectric elements 26; (b) therequired voltage/current characteristics of the HED; and (c) theprincipal frequencies to which the holster 21 is subjected during theactivity practiced by the user, at which energy harvesting is achieved.The concepts described herein are not necessarily limited to anyparticular number of piezoelectric elements 26, or to any particularelectrical connection of piezoelectric elements, or to any particularshape or dimension of piezoelectric elements, or to any combinationthereof.

As will be understood by the skilled worker, piezoelectric materials cangenerate a voltage upon being subjected to deformation, suchdeformations including, for example, bending, twisting, compression,elongation, etc. The piezoelectric elements 26 are fabricated to undergosuch deformations upon the holster being subjected to accelerations suchas those encountered when the holster is with a person walking orotherwise moving about. Such deformations will also typically occur whenthe user is travelling, e.g., on a plane or car; or when the holster 21sits atop a vibrating object such as a refrigerator or an airconditioning unit.

Upon the holster 21 being subjected to an acceleration, the portion ofthe piezoelectric element 26 that is not fixedly secured in the holder28 (the first portion 27), can move with respect to the portion held inthe holder 28. The resulting deformation of the piezoelectric element 26generates a voltage at surfaces of the piezoelectric material comprisedin the piezoelectric element 26. A double-arrowed arc 31 at FIG. 3 showsan exemplary movement that the second portion 29 can undergo upon thepiezoelectric member 26 being accelerated.

Each piezoelectric element 26 is electrically connected to chargingcircuitry 32 disposed at the bottom region of the holster 21, as shownat FIGS. 3 and 4. Alternatively, the charging circuitry 32 can belocated at any other suitable region of the holster 21 without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. In some cases, chargingcircuitry could be integrated in the HED itself without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure. The connection of eachpiezoelectric element 26 to the charging circuitry is typically donethough a pair of conductors (not shown), with a first conductorconnecting the charging circuitry 32 to a first surface of thepiezoelectric material of the piezoelectric element 26, and a secondconductor connecting the charging circuitry 32 to a second surface ofthe piezoelectric material of the piezoelectric element 26. Theabove-noted first and second surfaces of the piezoelectric material canbe any surfaces across which a voltage is generated upon thepiezoelectric element 26, and the piezoelectric material itself, beingdeformed. The connection of the surfaces in question to their respectiveconductor can be achieved through any suitable electrode, defining anysuitable pattern, formed on the surfaces.

The deformation of the piezoelectric elements 26 generates an inputvoltage that is provided to the charging circuitry 32. The chargingcircuitry 32 has an electrical connector 30 that connects to the HEDupon the HED being inserted in the holster 21. Any suitable type ofelectrical connector can be used, such as, for example, a mini-USBconnector, provided the HED includes a complementary connector to matetherewith. The charging circuitry 32 provides an output voltage to theHED in accordance with the input voltage and with pre-determinedcharging circuit parameters. As used herein, two elements are “inaccordance with” one another when the value of one element correspondsto the value of another. For example, two elements may be “in accordancewith” one another when one is a function of the other, or when both varyin response to common factor. A charging circuit parameter is“pre-determined” in the sense that at least one aspect of the parameteris defined prior to charging. Such charging circuit parameters caninclude, for example, target output voltage and target output current.Any suitable type of charging circuitry can be used. The inputs to thedesign can include many factors such as, for example, input frequency,resonant frequency, frequency ranges, output voltage and currents etc.,and the tradeoffs between these factors. Examples of such circuitry canbe found in, amongst other references, the article by Y.-P. Liu et al.entitled Velocity-Controlled Piezoelectric Switching Energy HarvestingDevice, proceedings of International Conference on Renewable Energy andPower Quality, Valencia, Spain, 15-17 Apr. 2009.

Alternatively, the charging circuitry and the HED can include inductivecharging circuitry components to allow inductive charging of the HED bythe piezoelectric elements. In such cases, as will be understood by theskilled worker, the connector 30 is not required. Rather, as will bedescribed below, an induction coil can be used instead.

FIG. 5A shows a block diagram of an exemplary charging circuitry 32electrically connected to the piezoelectric members 26. The chargingcircuitry 32 can include, as shown in the present exemplary embodiment,a rectifier module 42, a capacitor assembly 44 and discharge circuitry46. The piezoelectric members 26 provide a time-varying input voltage(this voltage being output from the piezoelectric members 26 but beinginput to the charging circuitry 32) that is input into the rectifiermodule 42. In turn, the rectifier module 42 provides a rectified voltageto the capacitor assembly 42, which can include one or more capacitorsthat are charged by the rectified voltage. The capacitor assembly 42stores at least some of the energy harvested from the piezoelectricmembers 26. This storage of energy can occur whether the HED is insertedin the holster or not. The discharge circuitry 46, in accordance withpre-determined parameters, causes the capacitors of the capacitorassembly 44 to discharge and provides an output voltage to an HEDelectrically connected to the connector 30. This output voltage is fedto a voltage regulator of the HED and can serve to power the HED whileinserted in the holster 21, to charge the battery of the HED, or both.The output voltage provided to the electrical connector 30 is inaccordance with the input voltage generated by the piezoelectric members26 in that the output voltage is a function of the input voltage. Theconnector 30 can be referred to as a coupling element that electricallyconnects the charging circuitry 32 to the HED. Alternatively, theconnector 30 can also be referred to as an electrical transfer meansthat is electrically connected the charging circuitry 32 to the HED.

FIG. 5B shows an exemplary charging circuitry having a full waverectifier 106 electrically connected to a piezoelectric member 26through connectors 102 and 104. A capacitor 108 and a resistor 110,connected in parallel to the rectifier 106 provide and output voltage toa HED (not shown).

FIG. 5C shows a block diagram of another exemplary charging circuitry150 used to magnetically couple energy harvested by the piezoelecticmembers 26 to the HED. The charging circuitry 150 is electricallyconnected to the piezoelectric members 26, which act as an AC source.The charging circuitry 150 can include capacitors, shown as capacitorcircuitry 160, electrically connected to a charge coil 152, which istypically made of an electrically conductive material. As will beunderstood by the skilled worker, a magnetic core can be placed adjacentthe charge coil 152 to vary the degree of magnetic coupling to the HED.The characteristics of the charge coil 152 and of the charging circuitry150 can be chosen such that the assembly formed by the charge coil 152and the charging circuitry 150 has a resonance frequency substantiallyequal to that of the piezoelectric members 26. As will be understood bythe skilled worker, a HED to be charged by the piezoelectricmembers/charging circuitry/coil assembly shown in the example of FIG.5C, needs to include its own magnetic inductive coupling assembly, whichcan include, for example, a coil and a magnetic core, operativelyconnected to battery of the HED. The charge coil 152 can be referred tosimply as a coil or as a magnetic induction coupling element thatinductively couples the charging circuitry 150 to the HED upon the HEDbeing inserted into the holster. The charge coil 152 can also bereferred to as a near filed charge coil. The charge coil can have anysuitable shape such as, for example square, round, elliptical shapes,and include any number of turns. Alternatively, the charge coil 152 canbe referred to as an electrical transfer means that is electricallyconnected to the charging circuitry 152.

The holster of present disclosure can itself include a rechargeablebattery that can be recharged upon the holster, and its piezoelectricelements, being subjected to vibrations. In such embodiments, the HEDrecharges its own battery from the holster's battery upon the HED beinginserted into the holster. As such, a user carrying the holster willrecharge the holster's battery even when the HED is out of the holster.

The piezoelectric element 26 can include a laminar arrangement of asubstrate and one or more piezoelectric layers. The substrate can bemade of any suitable material such as, e.g., aluminum, steel, siliconnitride, etc., and the piezoelectric material can include any suitablematerial such as, e.g., lead zirconate titanate (PZT). The piezoelectricmaterial can be formed on the substrate by slurry deposition or by anyother suitable methods. Alternatively, the piezoelectric element 26 canbe produced without a substrate. The piezoelectric element 26 caninclude a plurality of piezoelectric layers. Each of these piezoelectriclayers can be substantially similar to the others, therefore havingsimilar mechanical and electrical properties. Alternatively, each layercan be different from some of the others in terms of, for example,composition, and thickness, therefore having different mechanical andelectrical properties. In such a case, a first piezoelectric layer couldhave a frequency response different than that of another differentpiezoelectric layer, allowing for the harvest of vibration energy atdifferent frequencies.

Although the piezoelectric elements 26 of the embodiment of the holster21 are elongated members fixedly secured to chamber 24 at their firstend 27 in a cantilever arrangement, any other suitable arrangement andshape of piezoelectric elements can be used without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. For example, elongated piezoelectricbeams fixedly secured to the chamber 24 at their opposite ends, withtheir mid-sections undergoing movement, and deformation, upon theholster being accelerated, are also within the scope of the presentdisclosure. As a further example, disc-shaped piezoelectric elementshaving their perimeter portion secured to the chamber 24 and theircentre portion moving undergoing movement, and deformation, upon theholster being accelerated, are also within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Additionally, as will be understood by the skilled worker,the piezoelectric voltage characteristics can be adjusted by fixing aweight to a portion of the piezoelectric element undergoing movementwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodimentof a holster 50 of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 shows a frontcross-sectional view of the holster 50 taken along the line VII-VII ofFIG. 6. In the holster 50, the piezoelectric elements 26 are containedin a chamber 24 at the bottom region of the holster 50. The chargingcircuit 32 is also formed at the bottom region of the holster 50. As inthe holster 21 described above, the charging circuitry 32 includes aconnector 30 that connects to a HDE upon the HED being inserted in theholster 50. As in the holster 21, the holster 50 also defines a cavity33 along the length of which (arrow 35) a HED can be slid in and out. Inthe holster 50 the piezoelectric members 26 are substantiallyperpendicular to the length of the holster, the direction of the lengthbeing indicated by the arrow As will be understood by the skilledworker, holsters with an open, or partly open, wall are also within thescope of the present disclosure.

As will be understood by the skilled worker, a holster with multiplegroups of piezoelectric elements disposed in corresponding multiplecompartment is also within the scope of the present disclosure. Forexample, although not shown, a holster having a first group ofpiezoelectric elements oriented along the insertion direction of a HED,that is, a direction such as direction 35 at FIGS. 3 and 6, and having asecond group of piezoelectric elements oriented perpendicularly to thefirst group of piezoelectric elements, is within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The first and second groups of piezoelectricelements could also be disposed in a same compartment without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement 60 ofpiezoelectric elements 26 that can be integrated into a holster. Thearrangement 60 includes a first comb 62 of piezoelectric elements, and asecond comb 64 of piezoelectric elements. The first and second combs 62and 64 are interleaved and, although not shown, can be electricallyconnected to any suitable charging circuitry such as charging circuitry32 described above. As will be understood by the skilled worker, thearrangement 60 can provide enhanced voltage while maintaining relativelysmall dimensions of the compartment in which they are housed.

Referring FIG. 9, there is shown therein a block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of a HED 201 that can be combined with the holster of thepresent disclosure, exemplified in embodiment 21 and 50 above.

The HED 201 includes a number of components such as the processor 222that controls the overall operation of the HED 201. Communicationfunctions, including data and voice communications, are performedthrough a communication subsystem 224. Data received by the HED 201 canbe decompressed and decrypted by a decoder 226, operating according toany suitable decompression techniques (e.g. YK decompression, and otherknown techniques) and encryption techniques (e.g. using an encryptiontechnique such as Data Encryption Standard (DES), Triple DES, orAdvanced Encryption Standard (AES)). The communication subsystem 224receives messages from and sends messages to a wireless network 1000. Inthis exemplary embodiment of the HED 201, the communication subsystem224 is configured in accordance with the Global System for MobileCommunication (GSM) and General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) standards.The GSM/GPRS wireless network is currently used worldwide. New standardssuch as Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) and Universal MobileTelecommunications Service (UMTS) & LTE are believed to havesimilarities to the network behavior described herein, and it will alsobe understood by persons skilled in the art that the embodimentsdescribed herein are intended to use any other suitable standards thatare developed in the future. The wireless link connecting thecommunication subsystem 224 with the wireless network 1000 representsone or more different Radio Frequency (RF) channels, operating accordingto defined protocols specified for GSM/GPRS communications. With newernetwork protocols, these channels are capable of supporting both circuitswitched voice communications and packet switched data communications.

Although the wireless network 1000 associated with the HED 201 is aGSM/GPRS wireless network in one exemplary implementation, otherwireless networks may also be associated with the HED 201 in variantimplementations. The different types of wireless networks that may beemployed include, for example, data-centric wireless networks,voice-centric wireless networks, and dual-mode networks that can supportboth voice and data communications over the same physical base stations.Combined dual-mode networks include, but are not limited to, CodeDivision Multiple Access (CDMA) or CDMA1000 networks, GSM/GPRS networks(as mentioned above), and future third-generation (3G) networks likeEDGE and UMTS. Some other examples of data-centric networks include WiFi802.11, Mobitex™ and DataTAC™ WiMax network communication systems.Examples of other voice-centric data networks include PersonalCommunication Systems (PCS) networks like GSM and Time Division MultipleAccess (TDMA) systems. The processor 222 also interacts with additionalsubsystems such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) 228, a flash memory 230,a display 232, a keyboard 238, a switch 239, an auxiliary input/output(I/O) subsystem 240, a data port 242, a speaker 244, a microphone 246,short-range communications 248, a camera 300, and other devicesubsystems 250.

Some of the subsystems of the HED 201 perform communication-relatedfunctions, whereas other subsystems may provide “resident” or on-devicefunctions. By way of example, the keyboard 238 may be used for bothcommunication-related functions, such as entering a text message fortransmission over the network 1000, and device-resident functions suchas a calculator or task list.

The HED 201 can send and receive communication signals over the wirelessnetwork 1000 after network registration or activation procedures havebeen completed. Network access is associated with a subscriber or userof the HED 201. To identify a subscriber according to the presentembodiment, the HED 201 uses a SIM/RUIM card 252 (i.e. SubscriberIdentity Module or a Removable User Identity Module) inserted into aSIM/RUIM interface 254 for communication with a network such as thenetwork 1000. The SIM/RUIM card 252 is one type of a conventional “smartcard” that can be used to identify a subscriber of the HED 201 and topersonalize the HED 201, among other things. In the present embodimentthe HED 201 is not fully operational for communication with the wirelessnetwork 1000 without the SIM/RUIM card 252. By inserting the SIM/RUIMcard 252 into the SIM/RUIM interface 254, a subscriber can access allsubscribed services. Services may include: web browsing and messagingsuch as e-mail, voice mail, Short Message Service (SMS), and MultimediaMessaging Services (MMS). More advanced services may include: point ofsale, field service and sales force automation. The SIM/RUIM card 252includes a processor and memory for storing information. Once theSIM/RUIM card 252 is inserted into the SIM/RUIM interface 254, it iscoupled to the processor 222. In order to identify the subscriber, theSIM/RUIM card 252 can include some user parameters such as anInternational Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). An advantage of usingthe SIM/RUIM card 252 is that a subscriber is not necessarily bound byany single physical mobile electronic device. The SIM/RUIM card 252 maystore additional subscriber information for a HED as well, includingdatebook (or calendar) information and recent call information.Alternatively, user identification information can also be programmedinto the flash memory 230. The HED 201 can also be enabled to receiveadditional memory cards. For example, memory card slots (not shown) canbe provided in the HED 201 to receive such cards.

The HED 201 is a battery-powered device and includes a battery interface256 for receiving a battery pack containing one or more rechargeablebattery cells 258, and associated control circuitry (not shown) that, insome embodiments, can interface with the battery interface 256. Thebattery pack has a form factor and contact arrangement suited to theparticular handheld electronic device. In at least some embodiments, thebattery 258 can be a smart battery with an embedded microprocessor. Thebattery interface 256 is coupled to a voltage regulator 259, whichassists the battery 258 in providing voltage V+ to the HED 201.Additionally, the voltage regulator 259 connects, through an HEDconnector formed in at the HED 201, to the connector 30 shown, e.g., atFIG. 3, to receive a voltage from the discharge circuitry 46 of thecharging circuitry 32 exemplified at FIG. 5. As described below, the HEDconnector can be a data port 242. Although current technology makes useof a battery, alternatives to batteries, such as capacitors, or futuretechnologies such as micro fuel cells may provide the power to the HED201. The concepts described herein are not necessarily limited to anyparticular kind of battery, or to any particular battery chemistry, orto batteries that use energy storage elements or techniques other thanor in addition to chemical energy storage. On the contrary, the conceptsdescribed herein may be applicable to a variety of chargeable orrechargeable power packs, including those that are distinct fromconventional batteries.

The HED 201 also includes an operating system 260 and softwarecomponents 262 which are described in more detail below. The operatingsystem 260 and the software components 262 that are executed by theprocessor 222 are typically stored in a persistent store such as theflash memory 230, which may alternatively be a read-only memory (ROM) orsimilar storage element (not shown). Those skilled in the art willappreciate that portions of the operating system 260 and the softwarecomponents 262, such as specific software applications 264, 266, 268,270 and 272, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatilestore such as the RAM 228. Other software components can also beincluded, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

The subset of software components 262 that control basic deviceoperations, including data and voice communication applications, willnormally be installed on the HED 201 during its manufacture. Othersoftware applications include a message application 264 that can be anysuitable software program that allows a user of the HED 201 to send andreceive electronic messages. Various alternatives exist for the messageapplication 264 as is well known to those skilled in the art. Messagesthat have been sent or received by the user are typically stored in theflash memory 230 of the HED 201 or some other suitable storage elementin the HED 201. In at least some embodiments, some of the sent andreceived messages may be stored remotely from the HED 201 such as in adata store of an associated host system that the HED 201 communicateswith.

The software components 262 can further include a device state module266, a Personal Information Manager (PIM) 268, and other suitablemodules (not shown). The device state module 266 provides persistence,i.e. the device state module 266 ensures that important device data isstored in persistent memory, such as the flash memory 230, so that thedata is not lost when the HED 201 is turned off or loses power.

The PIM 268 includes functionality for organizing and managing dataitems of interest to the user, such as, but not limited to, e-mail,contacts, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items.The PIM 268 has the ability to send and receive data items via thewireless network 1000. PIM data items may be seamlessly integrated,synchronized, and updated via the wireless network 1000 with the HEDsubscriber's corresponding data items stored or associated, or both,with a host computer system. This functionality creates a mirrored hostcomputer on the HED 201 with respect to such items. This can beparticularly advantageous when the host computer system is the HEDsubscriber's office computer system.

The software components 262 also include a connect module 270, and aninformation technology (IT) policy module 272. The connect module 270implements the communication protocols that are required for the HED 201to communicate with the wireless infrastructure and any host system,such as an enterprise system, that the HED 201 is authorized tointerface with.

The connect module 270 includes a set of APIs that can be integratedwith the HED 201 to allow the HED 201 to use any number of servicesassociated with the enterprise system. The connect module 270 allows theHED 201 to establish an end-to-end secure, authenticated communicationpipe with the host system. A subset of applications for which access isprovided by the connect module 270 can be used to pass IT policycommands from the host system to the HED 201. This can be done in awireless or wired manner. These instructions can then be passed to theIT policy module 272 to modify the configuration of the HED 201.Alternatively, in some cases, the IT policy update can also be done overa wired connection.

Other types of software applications can also be installed on the HED201. These software applications can be third party applications, whichare added after the manufacture of the HED 201. Examples of third partyapplications include games, calculators, utilities, etc.

The additional applications can be loaded onto the HED 201 through atleast one of the wireless network 1000, the auxiliary I/O subsystem 240,the data port 242, the short-range communications subsystem 248, or anyother suitable device subsystem 250. This flexibility in applicationinstallation increases the functionality of the HED 201 and may provideenhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both.For example, secure communication applications may enable electroniccommerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performedusing the HED 201.

The data port 242 enables a subscriber to set preferences through anexternal device or software application and extends the capabilities ofthe HED 201 by providing for information or software downloads to theHED 201 other than through a wireless communication network. Thealternate download path may, for example, be used to load an encryptionkey onto the HED 201 through a direct and thus reliable and trustedconnection to provide secure device communication.

The data port 242 can be any suitable port that enables datacommunication between the HED 201 and another computing device. The dataport 242 can be a serial or a parallel port. In some instances, the dataport 242 can be a USB port that includes data lines for data transferand a supply line that can provide a charging current to charge thebattery 258 of the HED 201.

The short-range communications subsystem 248 provides for communicationbetween the HED 201 and different systems or devices, without the use ofthe wireless network 1000. For example, the short-range communicationssubsystem 248 may include an infrared device and associated circuits andcomponents for short-range communication. Examples of short-rangecommunication standards include standards developed by the Infrared DataAssociation (IrDA), Bluetooth, and the 802.11 family of standardsdeveloped by IEEE.

Synchronization of files and data between the HED 201 and anothercomputing device can be achieved over the wireless network 1000, throughthe short-range communications system 248, or through a directconnection between the data port 242 of the HED 201 and the othercomputing device. Synchronization causes the most recent version offiles and data to be mirrored on either the HED or the other computingdevice. As used herein, synchronization also refers to the downloadingor uploading of pre-selected files from one device to the other.Synchronization of files and data can be initiated by the user of thedevice whenever a suitable connection between the HED 201 and anothercomputing device, such as a home computer, is detected, or can occurautomatically when a connection is detected. A synchronizationapplication, stored in the HED 201 or the other computing device, orboth, can determine the file and data types to be synchronized, thefrequency of synchronization, and other parameters, appropriate to theparticular synchronization algorithm implemented by the synchronizationapplication.

In use, a received signal such as a text message, an e-mail message, orweb page download is processed by the communication subsystem 224 andinput to the processor 222. The processor 222 then processes thereceived signal for output to the display 232 or alternatively to theauxiliary I/O subsystem 240. A subscriber may also compose data items,such as e-mail messages, for example, using the keyboard 238, and,possibly, the auxiliary I/O subsystem 240. The auxiliary I/O subsystem240 may include devices such as: a mouse, track ball, infraredfingerprint detector, or a roller wheel with dynamic button pressingcapability. A composed item may be transmitted over the wireless network1000 through the communication subsystem 224.

For voice communications, the overall operation of the HED 201 issubstantially similar, except that the received signals are output tothe speaker 244, and signals for transmission are generated by themicrophone 246. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as avoice message recording subsystem, can also be implemented on the HED201. Although voice or audio signal output is accomplished primarilythrough the speaker 244, the display 232 can also be used to provideadditional information such as the identity of a calling party, durationof a voice call, or other voice call related information.

In the preceding description, for purposes of explanation, numerousdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe embodiments of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the art that these specific details are not required in orderto practice the disclosure. In other instances, well-known electricalstructures and circuits are shown in block diagram form in order not toobscure the disclosure. For example, specific details are not providedas to whether the embodiments of the disclosure described herein areimplemented as a software routine, hardware circuit, firmware, or acombination thereof.

The concepts described above may realize one or more advantages.Recharging of a battery in an HED can be very convenient for a user, asthe recharging can take place automatically when the user inserts theHED into the holster. The user need not even be aware that recharging isoccurring. Further, because the holster may be secured to the user (suchas at the user's pocket or belt), the holster may be in motion as theuser is in motion, and the piezoelectric elements may generate energy,which can be stored for recharging, even if the HED itself isstationary. The holster can harvest energy whether the HED is insertedin the holster or not. Some embodiments described above do notsignificantly add to the dimensions, bulk or weight of the HED. To theextent that there is any addition to the dimensions, bulk or weight ofthe holster, this addition is less likely to be noticed by or be aninconvenience to the user. A further potential benefit is that theholster can perform at least two functions at the same time: retainingthe HED for access by the user, and coupling the piezoelectric chargingcircuitry to the HED when the HED is not in use. In some embodiments,inductive electrical coupling between the HED and the holster mayenhance the convenience to the user by omitting a need for a wiredelectrical coupling between the HED and the holster.

The above-described embodiments of the disclosure are intended to beexamples only. Alterations, modifications and variations can be effectedto the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure, which is defined solely bythe claims appended hereto.

1. A holster for a handheld electronic device, the holster comprising: apiezoelectric element to generate an input voltage upon being deformed,the piezoelectric element having a first portion fixedly secured to aportion of the holster; charging circuitry electrically connected to thepiezoelectric element, the charging circuitry having an electricalconnector, the charging circuitry to provide an output voltage to theelectrical connector in accordance with the input voltage and inaccordance with pre-determined charging circuit parameters, theelectrical connector to connect to the handheld electronic device uponthe handheld electronic device being inserted into the holster; and achamber for housing the piezoelectric element, the first portion of thepiezoelectric element being fixedly secured to the chamber.
 2. Theholster of claim 1 wherein the piezoelectric element has a secondportion movable with respect to the first portion.
 3. The holster ofclaim 1 wherein the piezoelectric element is an elongated member.
 4. Theholster of claim 1 wherein the holster defines a cavity having a cavitylength along which the handheld electronic device can be slid in and outof the holster.
 5. The holster of claim 4 wherein the piezoelectricelement is an elongated member, the elongated member being substantiallyparallel to the cavity length.
 6. The holster of claim 4 wherein thepiezoelectric element is an elongated member, the elongated member beingsubstantially perpendicular to the cavity length.
 7. The holster ofclaim 1 wherein the holster defines a housing for receiving the handheldelectronic device, the holster further comprising a fastening elementsecured to the housing, the fastening element being rotatable withrespect to the housing to change an orientation of the housing withrespect to the fastening element.
 8. The holster of claim 7 wherein thefastening element includes a clip.
 9. The holster as in claim 1 incombination with the handheld electronic device.
 10. A holster for ahandheld electronic device, the holster comprising: at least onepiezoelectric element to generate an input voltage upon being deformed;charging circuitry electrically connected to the at least onepiezoelectric element; a coil electrically connected to the chargingcircuitry, the charging circuitry to provide an output voltage to thecoil in accordance with the input voltage and in accordance withpre-determined charging circuit parameters, the coil to inductivelycouple the charging circuitry to the handheld electronic device upon thehandheld electronic device being inserted into the holster; and achamber for housing the at least one piezoelectric element, the at leastone piezoelectric element having a first portion fixedly secured to thechamber.
 11. The holster of claim 10 wherein the at least onepiezoelectric element has a second portion movable with respect to thefirst portion.
 12. The holster of claim 10 wherein: the chargingcircuitry and the coil define an assembly having an assembly resonantfrequency; and the at least one piezoelectric element has apiezoelectric element resonant frequency, the assembly resonantfrequency being substantially equal to the piezoelectric elementresonant frequency.
 13. The holster of claim 12 wherein the chargingcircuitry includes at least one capacitor.